Choosing & Sizing

Which instrument suits your child, what size they need, and when it’s time to move up. Sizing is where we see the most avoidable problems: an instrument that’s too large makes good technique nearly impossible, and a student who’s fighting the instrument usually concludes they’re simply not good at it. Bring your child in and we’ll size them for free in a couple of minutes — and string renters swap to the next size up at no charge as they grow.

Do you rent instruments that aren’t listed on the site?

Yes. Beyond the twelve instruments on the site, we rent oboe, bass clarinet, tuba in three and four valve versions, baritone saxophone, euphonium, F-attachment trombones, and single and double French horns. The one instrument we do not rent is the…

Are my child’s arms long enough for trombone?

Almost certainly, yes. Beginning trombonists live in the first three positions, which even short arms reach, and band directors write for exactly that while children grow into the rest. The bigger question is overall size: whether your child can comfortably…

What size cello does my child need?

Cellos run from 1/8 up to full size, sized by height, arm reach, and torso length together, and the honest answer is that no chart can do it: bring your child to their teacher, or to a shop with a…

What size violin does my child need?

Violins run from 1/16 up to full size, and it is arm length that decides, never a chart of ages and heights. Children come in every shape, and the final call on size belongs to your child’s teacher. The quick…